Munnar is a mountain destination known for foggy scenery, chill climate, tea plantations, off-road rides, trekking, and Pine forests. But beyond that, this place has something hidden in the greenery – waterfalls! Yes, reader, we are talking about the hidden waterfalls in Munnar. More than a blog, this is a guide for you to discover these waterfalls so that you can add them to your next trip destination list.
Why Munnar Has Hidden Waterfalls
Geographical position. This is why Munnar’s waterfalls are described as hidden. Located in the Western Ghats. Munnar’s exact location is at the junction of the three rivers, Muthirapuzha, Nallathianni, and Kundala.
The first thing that comes to our mind when we hear Munnar is greenery. Eye-freshening greenery. This is because all the tea estates, rolling hills, and thick forests shadow these pristine waterfalls. That is why Munnar trekking and waterfalls aren’t well known. An interesting fact is that rainfall, rivers, and terrain shape these falls into what we see today.
Best Hidden Waterfalls in Munnar
a) Attukal Waterfalls
Also known as Attukad waterfalls, this waterfall is located between Munnar and Pallivasal. It is just 9 km (24 mins) away from Munnar. Even though the entry fee is free, the guided tours will cost ₹100. The best time of year to visit is the monsoon and winter, and the best hours are during the day.
b) Nyayamakad Waterfalls
7.3 km away from Munnar, this waterfall is surrounded by lush green tea plantations and thick forests. Trekkers will enjoy trekking to this waterfall due to its height of more than 1500m. You can trek all the way to the top to see the waterfall’s origin. The fall ends in a soothing and relaxing pool. There is no entry fee.
c) Lakkam Waterfalls
14 minutes (7.5 km) from Munnar, this waterfall begins at the Eravikulam Plateau. This waterfall is 7,300 ft above sea level. The total height is 50 ft. Beautiful Vaga trees and boulders lace the waterfall, making it look like a gem nestled in the forest. At the end of the fall, there is a pool with little fish whose business is to give you a free, natural pedicure.
Something you should look out for are leeches. There are lots of them, so carry Dettol or salt for protection.
To learn more about the waterfall, visit Eravikulam National Park. There, you can see the starting point and some exotic flora and fauna. The apt seasons to visit are the monsoon (July to October) and winter (October to March).
d) Kuthumkal Waterfalls
In the Rajakkad area, 28.9 km (1hr 5m) from Munnar, it is best visited from June to October. The timings are 9 to 5. Unlike the other waterfalls, this does not have kilometres of trekking to reach the waterfall. It is very close to the road. A nearby attraction is the Ponmudi Dam.
e) Chinnakanal / Powerhouse Waterfalls
Named after an old powerhouse nearby, this waterfall is 15 km (37 minutes) from Munnar. The waterfall starts at the Sita Devi Kulam and is surrounded by thick forests, green hills, tea estates, and tall trees. Like the Kuthumkal Waterfalls, this too is on the roadside; no trekking is necessary. The best time to visit is during or after the monsoon. Post-December is the best time of the year to visit.
f) Thoovanam Waterfalls (Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary)
Near Marayoor, this waterfall is located exactly in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, 60km from Munnar. Going here is not that simple. You need permits and a guide from the Forest Office at the check post. The timings are 8 am to 2 pm. You have to trek for 3-4 km along the Pambar River.
Seasonal Waterfalls
It is the monsoon season when the waterfalls make the whole place beautiful. The water flow is at its best after a heavy rain.
The Western Ghats have contributed unnamed streams along the Munnar-Chinnakanal, Top Station, and tea estates, which flow into the Muthirapuzha and Kundala river systems. Due to their small scale or seasonal flow, they are not named on the maps, but they have local names. Even though they lack the grandeur of waterfalls, they offer soothing scenery and a cool experience.
What makes a waterfall picturesque is the monsoon rains. After every few hours, the appearance and flow change. So, you can’t predict the experience you will get.
Nature photographers, you might wanna bring your camera here. These areas have the perfect blend of greenery, fog, and water. And they are only seen in the monsoon season.
Tips for Adventurers
Based on our waterfall experience, we have some general tips that could help you enjoy the place safely. They are:
- Choose the right trekking path – The guides and trekking groups will recommend safer and easier paths. It’s best to stick to that.
- Safety first – Go for footwear with a good grip. It will help you with your trekking.
- Do not litter – Carry a waste bag to dispose of your waste, instead of littering by the waterfall.
- Follow the marked trails – Some trails are marked as walkable for your safe trekking. Also, it is marked to keep the ecosystem damage-free.
- Avoid risky areas – There are some steep and slippery areas where you need to be careful while trekking. Avoid them.
- Support and promote the local community – It is best to choose homestays, guides, and to shop from the nearby shops, which will encourage and stabilise their local economy.
Best Time to Visit
Every waterfall should be explored right after October to March, when the monsoon ends. Then the water flows at its best. Fresh after the season of rainfall, the freshwater gushing down makes the place perfect for tourism.
If you want a cool and chill trekking experience, then choosing a time from December to February will be wise. It will help you visit the surrounding viewpoints hassle-free.
Look out for the heavy monsoon and the dry summer seasons. The monsoon season begins in June and ends in December, while the dry summer is from January to May.
How to Reach Hidden Waterfalls
You can reach the spot through different routes. The key locations are Munnar town, Chinnakanal, Devikulam, and Rajamala. These routes are highly scenic and mesmerising.
The narrow and slightly off-roadish roads are best travelled by a local taxi or a jeep.
Visiting these waterfalls is a one-day Munnar trip plan if started early. If you are planning a relaxed holiday, it is best to book rooms in stays near Chinnakanal or Devikulam.
Tucked away in the Kashmir of South India, the offbeat waterfalls in Kerala make Munnar a top waterfall spot. Everything here makes the worth the trekkers’, photographers’, and travellers’ money and time. While these exquisite places offer you so much to enjoy, you should treat the place with equal respect by following the guidelines and respecting nature by avoiding littering.
